An electrical capacitor may have been damaged during the manufacturing of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) control module causing intermittent, automatic, minor brake application.

2005 Acura MDX

However, if the driver applies the brakes while the VSA is malfunctioning, the vehicle may come to an abrupt stop.

Additionally, due to a loose ground connection, certain model year 2005 Pilots have a VSA system that may apply partial brake force, without the illumination of the brake lights, whether or not the driver is using the brakes.

Consequence

Sudden inadvertent braking, especially without illumination of the brake lights, may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Owners will be notified and instructed to take their vehicles to a dealer of their respective brand. The dealer will install a partial wiring harness containing a capacitor for the VSA modulator, free of charge. The affected model year 2005 Pilots will have their ground connection tightened. The recall is expected to begin on, or about, April 12th, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1.800.999.1009.

Notes

Honda’s recall campaign numbers are S87, S88, and S89. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1.888.327.4236 (TTY 1.800.424.9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.